AUSSIE PROSPECT JORDAN LARUCCIA CAPTURES GOLD AT THUNDERDOME 43

Press Release September 5, 2023 By Dragon Fire Boxing - This past Friday as part of the Main Event of Thunderdome 43 at Metro Ciyt in Perth, Western Australia Jordan Larrucia defeated Fano Kori by unanimous decision for the ANBF (Australian Boxing Federation) Australasian Super Welterweight Championship. 

Credit: Mike O'Hara 

The fight was a back-and-forth war with Larrucia cementing himself as one of the rising prospects of the Australian boxing scene.

Jordan Laruccia opened up about the fight;

“I would like to thank so many people, my coach Big Rig (Dayle Phillips), Tony (Tolj), Greeny (Danny Green) in my corner. I really have the best team in the world and I’m always striving to be better.

I had a great camp with Pops (Dayle Phillips) and want to thank all my team mates Jude Grant who won the W.A State Super Welterweight Title, Ryan Daye who had a 28 second KO, Wes Capper and Millad Farzad.

I learnt a lot in there, It was an honour to share the ring with Fano who has so much experience and I will keep training hard and keep improving and be the best I can be.

Promoter Tony Tolj gave his take on the fight;

“The fight was an absolute war of attrition at times, both Jordan and Fano left everything they physically had in that ring. Fano has plenty to give and Jordan has proven he belongs in the elite of the Super Welterweight division in Australia. What’s more remarkable is the fact Jordan hadn’t had 1 amateur boxing fight. He began as a gym cleaner and was asked one day to be a sparring partner because of the guys didn’t show up. Australia is in a boom period now and looking forward to seeing Jordan Laruccia right there in the mix at 24 years old.”

Replays can be seen on Fite.TV (Thunderdome 43)

Material Courtesy of Dragon Fire Boxing/ Photo Courtesy of Mike O'Hara Used with permission.

The Boxing Truth®️ is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

Belated August 26, 2023 Heavyweight Saturday Thoughts

Introduction: The following column was originally scheduled for release on August 28, 2023. Due to circumstances beyond our control, which necessitated evacuating due to Hurricane Idalia, the release was delayed until Monday, September 4, 2023. Coverage up to this point, which has yet to be made up to this point will be aimed for an upcoming edition of the feature Jabs And Observations. We thank our readers for their continued patience and we hope you enjoy the column below. 

The spotlight of the sport of Boxing focused on the Heavyweight division on Saturday, August 26, 2023 as one might argue it provided a look at both the present in terms of the top of the division as well as what could be the future of it. First, undefeated unified WBA/WBO/IBF/IBO Heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk defended his crown against WBA number one Heavyweight contender and “Knockout Artist” Daniel Dubois at  Wroclaw Stadium in Wroclaw, Poland. While this title defense was not the defense that many Boxing fans wanted to see Usyk make, in that the wish of many was to see an encounter with undefeated WBC world champion Tyson Fury, for what would be the Undisputed Heavyweight championship of the world, a mandatory defense for Usyk provided some intrigue by facing one of the division’s feared power punchers, who had only one of his victories that had gone the distance.

Despite coming into the fight with only one loss and his position as the WBA’s top contender, Dubois was treated by many as a significant underdog. This observer believes that was due in part to Usyk having a significantly higher quality in terms of his career resume as well as the stylistic difference between the two fighters as the champion has provided a puzzle that many fighters ranging from the amateurs, to the pro ranks in both the Cruiserweight and Heavyweight divisions, have found difficult to solve. The one wrinkle that had followed Usyk as a Heavyweight was however, despite his domination since moving up in weight from the Cruiserweight division and becoming a two-division world champion, he had not shown the ability to hurt or stop a Heavyweight inside the distance.

Before a crowd of over 40,000 spectators, Usyk and Dubois engaged in a surprisingly tactical fight that did not reflect the significant odds that were against the challenger. An addition that was also not expected to the equation of this fight was that mother nature also played a role in that the bout took place during significant rainfall, which found its way onto the ring canvas. Several of the rounds were a battle of jabs between the two fighters, but the pace at which the fight was being fought was tailor made for the champion, who likes to fight at a measured pace where he can dictate the ebb and flow of the combat.

Although the weather conditions created a great visual for those watching the bout, it did not seem to create much of a problem for the fighters beyond an occasional slip of footing. While the rain would seem to create an ideal scenario for potential controversy, it would be a ruled low blow against the challenger that would create controversy. It would be an uppercut that appearer to land on the beltline of Usyk that sent the champion crumbling down to the canvas in pain. Despite what appeared to be a legal shot to the body, Referee Luis Pabon ruled it a low blow. Adding to what appeared to be a blown call by a world class referee, Pabon also appeared to instruct Usyk who appeared ready to resume the combat to take the full five minutes that are allowed to a fighter who suffers a foul to recover.

At minimum, the call and the apparent instruction by Pabon was a strange occurrence if not a possible instance of a language barrier between the two after Pabon ruled the punch a foul where Pabon may not have understood clearly that Usyk was indicating he was ready to continue. From my perspective, I felt that the punch was right on the beltline and should have been called a knockdown. Based on how Usyk went down, it is debatable as to if Usyk would have been able to beat a ten count if it had been ruled a knockdown. What is indisputable is that the call by Pabon created a controversy that will be the subject of debate for some time.

Despite what appeared to give him a clear advantage moving forward, Dubois was only able to throw single punches to the body after action resumed. Although things remained competitive, Usyk was able to recover and the champion's timing as well as his ability to counter punch eventually turned the ebb and flow in his favor. Usyk dropped Dubois with a two punch combination that landed on the temple and dropped the challenger in round eight. This was followed by the champion being able to drop the challenger for a second time in the ninth round to score a knockout victory as Dubois was unable to beat the count.

At the end of the day, this fight answered one question for Usyk, but also asked a question of the champion coming out of it. Oleksandr Usyk does have the ability to knockout a Heavyweight, but did Usyk benefit from human error of a referee resulting in a blown call, which allowed him to recover when if the call of Referee Luis Pabon had been different, would it have changed the outcome of this Heavyweight championship fight?

Shortly after Usyk retained his championship, the focus shifted to Tulsa, OK where fast rising Heavyweight contender Jered Anderson returned to the ring just one month after scoring a ten round unanimous decision over former IBF Heavyweight world champion Charles Martin to face veteran Andrii Rudenko at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. While it is rare in present times to see a fighter approaching top contender status to be competing as often as Anderson got back in the ring, it does have more benefits than sitting out in terms of sharpening a fighter's skills and timing. This was a fight where Anderson showed those benefits as he systematically broke Rudenko down with a consistent body attack. Not just by throwing single punches to the body frequently, but throwing them in combination.

Anderson's commitment to going to Rudenko's body ultimately led to a referee's stoppage in the fifth round. Despite Rudenko's reputation as being durable, the stoppage was an appropriate one as he was taking the type of beating that could have long lasting effects. Although there was not much to this fight for Anderson other than the consistency he showed in breaking down a "Game" opponent that was simply out gunned, the fact that he is trying to stay as active as he can will have benefits for him in the long-term, which is something that many top contenders and world champions do not always take advantage of due to the economics of the sport among other factors. There may be a  risk for fighters being more active in terms of both economics as well as a fighter's standing in rankings or as a world champion, the benefits of staying active is something that should not be ignored and that is something that Anderson is showing with each fight.

Perhaps the takeaway from this Heavyweight Saturday should be both the benefits of staying active, but also potentially the groundwork for a potential rematch depending on one's perspective of the low blow ruling in the Usyk-Dubois bout. Nevertheless, these two fights did succeed in keeping the Heavyweight division as a focal point for many Boxing fans and experts alike. The Boxing world will simply wait to see what's to follow in the weeks and months ahead.

"And That's The Boxing Truth."

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Schedule Resumption Notice: Hurricane Idalia

We would like to let our readers know that we will be resuming our regular schedule on Monday, September 3rd after pausing due to Hurricane Idalia with a feature discussing the Heavyweight action that took place on Saturday, August 26th. We sincerely apologize for the interruption to the schedule as it was out of our control and we thank our readers for their continued patience. Stay tuned.

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Hurricane Idalia Notice

We would like to let our readers know that due to the uncertainty of what is projected to become Hurricane Idalia, we will be pausing out regular schedule until further notice. When we are able to resume, a feature discussing the Heavyweight action that took place on Saturday, August 26th will be released. We do apologize for any inconvenience this might cause and we will update the websites once we know we can resume. Stay safe anx stay turned.

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Slaveski Wins World Welterweight Championship At BKFC 49

Undefeated Welterweight Gorjan Slaveski successfully went from contender to world champion by scoring a hard fought five round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Jake Lindsey to win the vacant Bareknuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) Welterweight world championship on Friday night at the Miami-Dade Fairgrounds in Miami, FL. The main event of BKFC 49 turned out to be an ugly, grueling, and great fight all in one. 

A fight that began almost exclusively with both fighters trying to tee off on each other on the inside including trying to fight and grapple in the clinch, similar to what you would see in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), but not something that is legal in Boxing including Bareknuckle Boxing. As the bout went on however, both fighters had their share of moments in what became a seesaw battle in terms of momentum as both fighters landed hard, thudding punches to the head that frankly would have dropped many of fighters. Despite suffering an injury to his right hand as the fight was entering the latter rounds where his knuckles were bleeding heavily, Lindsey managed to seemingly keep the fight close, but it was the harder punches of Slaveski that ultimately prevailed in a grueling back and forth contest as he would win the fight and the world championship via unanimous decision.Official scores were: 49-46, and 48-47 (On two scorecards)  in favor of Slaveski.

Gorjan Slaveski advances to 6-0, with 4 Knockouts. Jake Lindsey falls to 4-1, with 4 Knockouts. 

Also on this card:

Unbeaten Lightweight Bryce Henry scored a first round knockout of  Tom Shoaff. A right hook followed by a barrage of punches put Shoaff down. Shoaff signaled to Referee Sam Burgos as he was counting that he did not want to continue. Official time of the stoppage was 1:29 of round one. Bryce Henry advances to 3-0, with 3 KO’s. Tom Shoaff falls to 4-5, with 4 Knockouts.

Undefeated Featherweight Bryan Duran scored a first round knockout of Dakota Highpine. A fight where both fighters threw punches with knockout intentions, a perfectly timed counter right hook that landed on the forehead of Highpine sent him down and out on the canvas. Official time of the stoppage was :48 of round one. Bryan Duran advances to 5-0, with 5 Knockouts. Dakota Highpine falls to 1-2, with 0 Knockouts.  

In a battle of unbeaten Bantamweights, Justin Sanchez scored a five round unanimous decision over Quinton Foye. A closely fought bout from the opening bell, Sanchez landed more punches, particularly to the body of Foye down the stretch to earn a unanimous decision victory. Official scores were: 48-47, 49-46, and 48-47 in favor of Sanchez. Justin Sancez advances to 2-0, with 0 Knockouts. Quinton Foye falls to 1-1, with 0 Knockouts.

Also in the Bantamweight division, unbeaten Alberto Rodriguez scored a first round knockout of a debuting Jaoa Guerra. A right hand, left hook combination quickly dropped Guerra. Rodriguez closed the show with a follow up combination, which sent Guerra down for a second time. Although Guerra got up, he took his mouthpiece out and shook his head as the ten count was reached. Official time of the stoppage was :51 of round one. Alberto Rodriguez advances to 3-0, with 3 Knockouts. Jaoa Guerra falls to 0-1, with 0 Knockout.

Featherweight Howard Davis scored a first round knockout of Jeff Chiffens. Davis opened a gash on the left side of Chiffens’ head with a right hook immediately upon the fight starting. A right uppercut to the face sent Chiffens down. As Chiffens was being counted out, he was shaking his head, which resulted in the bout being stopped before the count was completed.  Official time of the stoppage was 1:12 of round one. Howard Davis advances to 6-1-1, with 5 Knockouts. Jeff Chiffens falls to 4-6, with 1 Knockout.

Lightweight Joshua Alvarez scored a first round knockout of a debuting Aaron Sutterfield. A left uppercut to the head sent Sutterfield down on his hands and knees in the middle of the ring. Sutterfield was very “Game” and tried to get up, but was unable to beat the count. Official time of the stoppage was 1:29 of round one. Joshua Alvarez advances to 4-3, with 3 Knockouts. Aaron Sutterfield falls to 0-1, with 0 Knockouts. 

Women’s Strawweight Laddy Mejia pounded out a five round split decision over Sarah Click to successfully make her professional Bareknuckle Boxing debut. A competitive fight that was fought at a surprising tactical pace for a Bareknuckle fight, Mejia was able to land the harder punches over the final three rounds to earn the decision victory.  Official scores were: 48-47 (Click), and 49-46, 48-47 for Laddy Mejia. Laddy Meija advances to 1-0, with 0 Knockouts. Sarah Click falls to 0-3, with 0 Knockouts. 

Undefeated Bantamweight Matthew Russo scored a first round knockout of a debuting  Jaymes Hyder. An overhand right to the head staggered Hyder, which Russo followed by a right hook to the jaw that sent Hyder down on his back for the ten count. Official time of the stoppage was 1:16 of round one. Matthew Russo advances to 2-0, with 2 Knockouts Jaymes Hyder falls to 0-1, with 0 Knockouts. 

In a Featherweight rematch from April of this year, Freddy Masabo avenged his only loss by scoring a five round unanimous decision over Bovar Khanakov. The story of this fight was the movement and combination punching of Masabo as he frequently beat Khanakov to the punch. Khanakov suffered two severe cuts over his right eye and on the bridge of his nose in the first round and he was unable to get the ebb and flow of the combat to shift in his favor.  Official scores were: 48-47 (On all three scorecards) in favor of Masabo. Freddy Masabo advances to 3-1, with 2 Knockouts. Bovar Khanakov falls to 3-2, with 0 Knockouts.

Cruiserweight action began the evening as John Escoboza scored a hard fought five round majority decision over previously undefeated Esteban Rodriguez. A high pace slugfest from the opening bell, Escoboza’s cleaner punches, particularly in landing his right hand to the head of Rodriguez, which opened a bad cut over his left eye in the first round ultimately gave him the edge. Escoboza scored a knockdown of Rodriguez with a right hand that appeared to land on the side of the head in the second round. Official scores were: 47-47, (Even) 48-46 (On two scorecards) in favor of Escoboza. John Escoboza advances to 8-1, with 4 Knockouts. Esteban Rodriguez falls to 2-1, with 2 Knockouts.

BKFC 49 brought to a close two nights of Bareknuckle Boxing cards promoted by the Bareknuckle Fighting Championship and its founder David Feldman. A modernized form of Bareknuckle Boxing that is still growing, as the promotion prepares for its fiftieth numbered card next month, a successful debut of its prospects series on August 24th, and continued international expansion including in Bulgaria later this year, the BKFC has laid out what this observer believes is a successful blueprint for other Bareknuckle promoters to try and follow including, but not limited to the adaption of a universal rules standard as approved by the Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC). 

In many ways, the rate at which the Bareknuckle portion of the sport of Boxing has been able to grow has in some ways not faced as much opposition and resistance as the sport of MMA did for many years after it's inception here in the United States in organized form in the early 1990's. It is something that should be seen as a positive in a sport that is always the subject of ridicule for its negatives. Especially, if not only safety standards continue to be followed and improve, but also if it continues to provide more options to fighters across all combat sports. 

"And That's The Boxing Truth."

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BKFC Prospects 1 Results From Miami, FL

Women’s Flyweight Rosalinda Rodriguez successfully made her Bareknuckle Boxing debut by scoring a lopsided five round unanimous decision over MMA veteran Christina Crist in the main event of Bareknuckle Fighting Championship’s (BKFC) inaugural BKFC Prospects event on Thursday night at the Miami-Dade Fairgrounds in Miami, FL. Rodriguez, who is 13-0, in traditional professional Boxing and is the current North American Boxing Federation (NABF) Bantamweight champion, dictated the fight from the start by using effective lateral movement, and her jab to control the distance over Crist, who was also making her professional Bareknuckle Boxing debut after a successful career in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). The consistent pattern of the fight consisted of Rodriguez throwing the jab, moving inside, landing short combinations, and moving back out before Crist could land anything really effective. As the fight went on, Crist began swinging wildly in an attempt to land something that would turn the ebb and flow in her favor, but it simply was not to be as Rodriguez boxed her way to a convincing unanimous decision victory.  Official scores were: 50-44, 49-45, and 50-45 all in favor of Rodriguez. Rosalinda Rodriguez advances to 1-0, with 0 Knockouts. Christina Crist falls to 0-1, with 0 Knockouts. 

Also on this card:

 

In a battle of undefeated Heavyweights, Leonardo Perdomo scored a first round knockout of  Ryan Shough. Perdomo quickly dropped Shough with a right hand seconds into the opening round. He then closed the show dropping Shough with a brutal combination to the head that resulted in the fight being immediately stopped. Official time of the stoppage was :59 of round one. Leonardo Perdomo advances to 2-0, with 2 Knockouts. Ryan Shough falls to 1-1, with 1 Knockout.

 Light-Heavyweight Drew Nolan scored the first win of his Bareknuckle Boxing career by scoring a second round stoppage of Markus Suarez. Nolan was dropped by a short right hook to the head in round one, but a cut that Nolan was able to open over the right eye of Suarez began to bleed heavily and resulted in a second round stoppage when the ringside physician ruled that Suarez could not continue. Official time of the stoppage was 1:22 of round two. Drew Nolan advances to 1-1, with 1 Knockout. Markus Suarez falls to 0-1, with 0 Knockouts.

A Light-Heavyweight bout between Fred Pierce and a debuting Sean Hotusing ended in a second round disqualification in favor of Pierce. A competitive fight from the beginning, Pierce’s awkward counterpunching style appeared to give Hotusing problems for a time. The end came when Pierce was sent down bent over with his hands touching the canvas via a slip. Hotusing however, landed two shots on Pierce while he was ruled on the canvas resulting in Pierce being declared the winner via disqualification when he was unable to continue. Official time of the stoppage was 1:38 of round two. Fred Pierce advances to 2-4, with 1 Knockout. Sean Hotusing falls to 0-1, with 0 Knockouts. 

Bantamweight Dameko Labon needed only twenty-one seconds to knockout Justin Watson. Labon landed a stiff jab at the opening bell followed by a right hook that sent Watson down to the canvas. Watson got up from the knockdown, but walked into a flush left hook to the jaw that sent him down for a second time and the fight was immediately stopped. Official time of the stoppage was :21 of round one. Dameko Labon advances to 1-0, with 1 Knockout. Justin Watson falls to 0-1, with 0 Knockouts. 

In a Welterweight bout that began the evening between two fighters making their professional Bareknuckle Boxing debuts, Leandro Torres scored a third round stoppage of Harry Cruz to successfully make his professional Bareknuckle Boxing debut. A back and forth fight that saw both men cut early and several heated exchanges of offense in close, it was Torres' combination punching over Cruz’ ability to attack at awkward angles. The end came midway through the third round when Cruz was ruled unable to continue due to heavy bleeding from a cut on the outside of his right eye. Official time of the stoppage was 1:29 of round three. Leandro Torres advances to 1-0, with 1 Knockout. Harry Cruz falls to 0-1, with 0 Knockouts. 

Over the last decade, the sport of Bareknuckle Boxing has through various variations grown and expanded at an exceptional rate since the sport was reintroduced in modernized form. The Bareknuckle Fighting Championship has become one of the Bareknuckle promotions led by promoter David Feldman that is now leading the way in the growth and expansion of the sport. A sign of such growth came in the days prior to this card when the Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC) adapted a universal standard of rules for Bareknuckle bouts. The first edition of the BKFC prospects series, which will be a monthly series to go along with the promotion’s marquee and fight night events certainly did not disappoint as fighters participating in the series have the goal to earn a contract to fight under the BKFC banner in a way similar to the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s (UFC) series in which it’s president Dana White awards contracts to non-signed MMA fighters under the Dana White’s Contender Series banner. 

With fighters from traditional pro Boxing, MMA, and other combat sports disciplines all now venturing into professional Barekuckle bouts, the future of the Bareknuckle portion of the sport of Boxing certainly looks bright. The next event on the BKFC schedule, BKFC 49, which will take place on Friday, August 25th also in Miami, has a tough act to follow.

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

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August 26, 2023: A Big Day For The Heavyweight Division

August 2023 in the sport of Boxing will come to a close on Saturday, August 26th with the spotlight firmly focused on the Heavyweight division. In some ways, this day will look at both the present and what could well be the future, which can all be seen here in the United States on digital subscription sports streaming network ESPN+.

The marquee attraction of the day will take place in Wroclaw, Poland as undefeated unified WBO/IBF/IBO/WBA Heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk will make the second defense of his crown against WBA number one Heavyweight contender Daniel Dubois in Wrocław Stadium. This fight is the first for Usyk following two decision wins over Anthony Joshua in 2021 and 2022 where he won and then successfully retained the unified Heavyweight crown. While many had expected that Usyk's next fight following his rematch against Joshua in August of last year would be a unification bout with undefeated WBC world champion Tyson Fury for what would be the Undisputed Heavyweight championship of the world, unfortunately due to elements involving the business of Boxing, that fight did not materialize.

Instead, Usyk will be turning his attention to fulfilling one of his mandatory defense obligations of one of the four world championships he currently holds by facing the WBA's mandatory challenger Daniel Dubois. Although some may dismiss this fight as a mere mandatory, in that sometimes those who earn opportunities to fight for a world championship by being mandated by a sanctioning organization as it's top contender in a given weight class, does not always have significant public interest, this could be a dangerous fight for the undefeated champion.

It was not long ago when Daniel Dubois was considered one of the sport's feared rising "Knockout Artists." Dubois carried a record of 15-0, with 14 Knockouts into what was a highly anticipated clash with then fellow undefeated "Knockout Artist" and former Olympic Silver medalist Joe Joyce in November of 2020. Dubois would suffer the lone defeat of his career by being knocked out by Joyce in the tenth round in a fight where he suffered a broken left eye socket. Since that setback, Dubois has won four straight fights, all by knockout including a fourth round knockout of previously unbeaten Trevor Bryan in June of last year where he earned Interim/Regular champion status in the WBA's Heavyweight ratings, which in short made him the number one contender.

The question going into this fight will be whether Dubois will be able to deal with the angles and overall skill of Usyk. While Oleksandr Usyk is the favorite going into this title defense, he has had some difficulty in some bouts since moving to Heavyweight after becoming undisputed champion as a Cruiserweight. Usyk's fight with longtime Heavyweight contender Dereck Chisora in October 2020 can serve as an example of Usyk having trouble against a Heavyweight that was able to apply consistent pressure on him, which is something that Anthony Joshua was not able to do in two fights and given Dubois' punching power, it will be interesting to see if he has studied Usyk's fight against Chisora that he could try to implement a similar strategy. It is also important to keep in mind that Usyk has not scored a knockout since moving to Heavyweight and, despite remaining unbeaten and becoming unified world champion in the division, questions do remain in regard to his punching power as a Heavyweight.

With a possible unification bout to become Undisputed Heavyweight champion of the world still no closer to becoming a reality, Usyk must remain focused on the task at hand even if some are dismissing this fight as a mere mandatory or "Stay Busy" fight. If he is not focused, Daniel Dubois does have the power to pull off what would be considered an upset, despite being the natural Heavyweight and bigger fighter.

As Usyk-Dubois will focus on the current landscape of the Heavyweight division in terms of the world championship picture, August 26th will also provide a look at a Heavyweight contender that could well be the future of the division. This observer is referring to the undefeated "Knockout Artist" Jared Anderson.

Anderson, who is coming off of the first decision win in his career in July where he was forced to go ten full rounds in his fifthteenth professional fight against former IBF Heavyweight world champion Charles Martin, who had taken the fight on short notice. A fight that ended Anderson's fourteen fight knockout streak, which began his career, he was still impressive in scoring a convincing ten round unanimous decision in his hometown of Toledo, OH.

Now, a little more than one month after that fight, Anderson is getting back in the ring to face veteran Andrii Rudenko in a scheduled ten round bout at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Tulsa, OK. Although some may view a fighter competing so soon after a fight in which they had to go ten competitive rounds as too soon to be back in the ring, in actuality, it is a method that many fighters used to do on a regular basis from rising contenders as Anderson is to even world champions in decades past. 

The biggest detriment to any fighter in any combat sport on any level is inactivity and while a fighter will obviously risk their standing every other they compete, there is an old adage that yours truly believes in that the more active a fighter is, the more theoretically they will be prepared and in condition when all significant fight such as one for a world championship does come along. In this case, Anderson is trying to continue his progression as well as stay active. 

Currently rated number seven in the world in the World Boxing Council (WBC) Heavyweight ratings, Anderson while now risking a top ten ranking with each subsequent time that he competes, in addition to being active, it will also increase his name recognition value towards a potential world championship bout should he continue to win.  In Andrii Rudenko, Anderson will face a veteran of forty-two professional fights, who has a respectable record of 35-6, with 21 Knockouts. A possible red flag that some might point to however, is all of Rudenko's six defeats came when he has stepped up in the caliber of his competition having lost to several top contenders in his career, most notably among them, former world title challenger Alexander Povetkin in July of 2017.

The one bright spot for Rudenko is he has only been stopped once in his career and it will obviously be interesting to see if he will be able to stand up to the power of Anderson. Although this has the appearance of a "Stay Busy" fight for Anderson, his position in the WBC ratings likely means that he potentially could be on a short list of possible contenders who might get an opportunity to either fight in a world championship elimination bout, if not potentially an opportunity to face Tyson Fury sometime within the next year. Thus, it is an important fight for the young undefeated American contender as he continues his rise up the ranks.

While this day spotlighting the Heavyweight division offers a look at two different levels of the division, one should not dismiss the possibility of Anderson potentially being in line to face the winner of Usyk-Dubois down the line as well, especially if no further progress is made towards further unification of the division going into 2024. Stranger things have happened in the sport before and if Anderson beats Rudenko, the idea of him facing either Usyk or Dubois is something to discuss. We will see who emerges victorious in these two Heavyweight bouts on Saturday, August 26th.

"And That's The Boxing Truth."

Usyk vs Dubois takes place on Saturday, August 26 at Wrocław Stadium in Wrocław, Poland. The fight can be seen in the United States on digital subscription sports streaming network ESPN+ beginning at 5PM ET/2PM PT.

Anderson vs. Rudenko takes place on Saturday, August 26 at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Tulsa, OK. The fight as well as it's full undercard can be seen in the United States on digital subscription sports streaming network ESPN+ beginning at 6:45PM ET/3:45PM PT.

ESPN+ is available through the ESPN app on mobile, tablet, and connected streaming devices/Smart TVs. For more information about ESPN+ including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices, platforms, Smart TVs, and to subscribe please visit: www.ESPNPlus.com. 

(*Card and Start Times Subject to Change.*)

(*Check your local listings internationally.*)

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Classic Boxing Series To Debut On FITE+

Press Release August 23, 2023 By FITE-  Determined to always bring you the best value in streaming sports, FITE+ has added a weekly series of classic fights, called Monster Knockout, curated by our experts and tons of new live and archival  boxing, pro wrestling, MMA, grappling and more sports content – All at an incredible subscription price

New York, NY  (August 23, 2023): FITE by Triller announced the addition of even more live and on-demand action for FITE+ subscribers. Kicking off with our new series of classic fights called Monster Knockout – each Wednesday we’ll feature some of the most famous boxing matches ever. This debuts August 23rd with Oscar de la Hoya vs. Ricardo Mayorga. If you’ve enjoyed the popular Oscar de la Hoya documentary on MAX, come to FITE+ to see The Golden Boy in action. Future weeks will feature the likes of Shane Mosley, Manny Pacquiao and the classic showdown with Mike Tyson vs. Lennox Lewis, to name a few. 

Another new and live series, kicking off Thursday, August 24th is BKFC’s Prospect Series. This live and FREE debut show will hail from Miami, FL and features a group of hungry new fighting prospects for BKFC, known as the world’s fastest growing combat sport promotion. This show will build the farm team for the BKFC and find future stars of the sport. FITE+ includes ALL of the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship Main Events such as this Friday’s BKFC 49, also from Miami like the Prospect Series, and features Gorjan Slaveski vs. Jake Lindsey battling for the BKFC Welterweight Championship. 

All this exciting FITE+ action joins exclusive content from Major League Wrestling, Fight2Win and Game Changer Wrestling, as well as shows from New Japan Pro Wrestling, Wrestling Revolver, the U.S. Open Karate Championships, Muay Thai events, SlapFIGHT, Grappling and live boxing from around the world.

“We are here to go above and beyond for viewers no matter what it takes,” said FITE co-founder and COO, Michael Weber. “This massive increase in events, both current and classic, puts us well past the 4,000 hours benchmark, across 100 promotions and multiple sports – all at the best global pricing model ever.  We’ve got plenty of surprise additions lined up between now and the end of the year too.”

The new additions to FITE+ include:

UK’s Strongest Man

Monster Knockout

LIVE shows from OVW, GCW, ICW, BKB, FSW, MLW, F2W, Fusion Fight League, Rap Report Card, River City Fights and many more

In addition to all the new content added, FITE+ is pleased to announce that it has introduced new geo-priced subscriptions, following the norms of leading streaming platforms, to adjust for regional cost differences. Click this FITE+ link to automatically view your local pricing with confidence as you’ll get the best value in streaming sports, including a 7-day free trial, and special annual rates.

About FITE:

FITE by Triller is the premium global platform for live sports and entertainment offering many of the industry’s  marquee PPV events to more than 7M registered users. Additionally, FITE offers exclusive subscription packages such as AEW Plus in select regions, and FITE+, the Best Value in Streaming Sports, Worldwide. Consumers can stream FITE globally through its iOS and Android mobile apps, Apple TV, Android TV, ROKU, Amazon Fire TV and Huawei apps. In addition, FITE supports Samsung, LG, Cox Contour, Vizio SmartCast™, Virgin Media, Shaw Communications; Blue Curve IPTV, Foxxum, Chromecast, PS4, XBOX, ZEASN, Netrange, Vidaa/Hisense, VEWD/ TiVO, Netgem TV, Comcast’s Xfinity 1 and Xfinity Flex, as well as more than 7,000 models of Smart TVs. FITE also offers a free ad-supported FAST channel called FITE 24/7 both on and off platform. Visit FITE online at www.FITE.tv. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIN, and Facebook.. FITE is owned by Triller Inc. 

 

Material Courtesy of FITE Used with permission.

For more information about FITE including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices, platforms, Smart TVs, information on the FITE+ subscription service, and for instructions on how to download the FITE app please visit: www.FITE.TV. 

The Boxing Truth®️ is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

Ramirez-Smith Collide October 7th In Las Vegas On DAZN

Press Release August 21, 2023 By DAZN-  LAS VEGAS, NEVADA (August 21, 2023) - Former World Champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (44-1, 30 KOs) will make his grand debut in the cruiserweight division and measure up against former light heavyweight World Champion Joe “Common Man” Smith Jr. (28-4, 22 KOs) of Long Island, New York on Saturday, October 7. The 12-round clash, presented in association with Star Boxing, will take place live from The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and live around the world on DAZN. 

Credit: DAZN 

 

The former WBO Super Middleweight World Champion, Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez will be looking to make a statement and demonstrate he has the bravado to become a two-division titleholder. With nearly 15-years of professional experience, he embarked on a career that would see him defeating the likes of Maxim Vlasov, Jessie “Hard Work” Hart and “King” Arthur Abraham, whom he defeated to become the WBO Super Middleweight World Champion. His sole blemish on his record comes from a valiant performance against Dmitrii Bivol last November 2022. Ramirez is now ready to return to the ring and contend against the heavy hitters of the division.

 

“I am ready to take over the cruiserweight division and prove to myself that I can add another championship belt to my resume,” said Gilberto Ramirez. “I want to thank all of my fans, Golden Boy, DAZN, the WBA, and my entire team that have supported me through this season of change. We are ready to face a hungry opponent in Joe Smith Jr. who is used to being an underdog. I know both of us wanted this fight at light heavyweight a few years back, but I’m glad we can make it now. See you all in Las Vegas!” 

 

The iron-willed, former light heavyweight World Champion Joe Smith Jr. is known to prove his critics wrong, becoming the WBO Light Heavyweight World Champion after giving an unyielding boxing performance when he fought Maxim Vlasov in April 2021. He went on to successfully defend his title against Steve Geffrard in January 2022 and then succumbed to Artur Beterbiev in a massive unification fight on June 18. In addition, Smith has one of the best resumes in boxing that includes victories over former undisputed champion and boxing legend, Bernard Hopkins, former world champion, Eleider Alvarez, and title contenders Jessie Hart and Andrzej Fonfara. Having begun his career in 2009, he has earned the respect of the “common man” and will also be going up to cruiserweight for the first time to face Ramirez.

 

“It feels great to return to the ring in a big way on October 7 against ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez,” said Joe Smith Jr. “I was having a rough time this year, then we tragically lost my brother Alex on top of it all. I miss him and know he will be with me when I step into that ring. He was always proud of me and he would be happy to see me back. I can’t wait to show the world the Common Man is back and hope my performance can bring some happiness and inspiration back to my family.”

 

“‘For almost 15 years, ‘Zurdo’ beat everyone who stepped into the ring, becoming a world champion and the most feared man in the Super Middleweight division in the process,” said Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions Oscar De La Hoya. “But coming off a loss and with a new weight division to conquer, there is a renewed fire in Zurdo’s eyes. I expect an impressive outing and a first step towards a cruiserweight world championship.”

 

“We are thrilled to announce the return of Star Boxing’s ‘Common Man,’ Joe Smith Jr. at the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas live on DAZN,” said Star Boxing’s CEO Joe DeGuardia. “He and his family have had a rough year, but in quintessential Joe Smith fashion, while there were many fights out there for him, he wanted the biggest and toughest challenge available.  It will once again be Champion vs Champion as two former world champs go head to head in this intriguing fight. This has all the makings of must see action and I personally look forward to watching Joe back in the ring on October 7th.” 

 

“What an exciting fight this will be between two former World Champions,” said Joseph Markowski, CEO North America, DAZN Group. “Zurdo wanted a tough test, and this one-his first at cruiserweight-vs Smith Jr. is going to be a very difficult fight for him. You will not want to miss it! Tune in October 7th live from the fight capital of the world, Las Vegas, broadcast only on DAZN.”

 

Media interested in covering the fight can apply for a credential at: https://www.emccredentials.com/10-07-23. Applications are due EOD, October 2, 2023. 

 

More information on event tickets and the complete undercard will be announced in the coming weeks. 

 

Zurdo vs. Smith Jr. is a 12-round cruiserweight fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Star Boxing. The event will be available worldwide to all subscribers on DAZN, both live and on demand.

 

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.StarBoxing.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @StarBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy, www.facebook.com/StarBoxing and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy, @StarBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #ZurdoSmith

 

Material and Photo Courtesy of: DAZN Used with permission.

For more information about DAZN including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices, platforms, Smart TVs, availability around the world, local start times in your area, and to subscribe please visit: www.DAZN.com. 

The Boxing Truth®️ is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

Sebastian Papeschi Collides with Diego Carmona for IBF Regional title in Cordoba, August 26

Press Release August 20, 2023 By ProBox TV-  

Sampson Boxing/Tello Box South American Boxing Series Continues in Argentina LIVE on ProBox TV

Credit: ProBox TV 

Sampson Lewkowicz and Carlos Andres Tello return to ProBox TV next Saturday following a successful event last month in Montevideo, Uruguay that saw Amilcar Vidal Jr. get back to winning ways against Domicio Rondon.  The South American promoters keep the show on the road in neighbouring Argentina as ProBox TV continues to provide subscribers with more international content. 

Lewkowicz and Tello head to Argentina’s second largest city of Cordoba to bring you three highly competitive televised fights from the 5-star Quorum Cordoba Hotel on August 26. The evening’s main-event will see Sebastian Horacio Papeschi and Diego Carmona square-off for the vacant IBF Latino middleweight title over 10 rounds.  

Papeschi (19-4, 7 KOs) comes off an emphatic 8th round knockout victory over Jairo Ariel Rayman for the South American light heavyweight title. The all-action fighter from Buenos Aires was previously stopped on a trip to Kazakhstan suffering a 5th round knockout loss to Meiirim Nursultanov last June. 

Mexico’s Carmona (13-1, 11 KOs) is on an impressive six fight knockout streak, his most recent victims were Addir Sanchez in Panama and Alberto Mosquera in his native Mexico. The bout sees two southpaws collide with rankings places at stake at 160 pounds.

“Both fighters like to come forward, it is a real 50/50 fight that one.” Lewkowicz said of his upcoming main-event. “Papeschi does not have the biggest punch but will come forward all night. Carmona is like all Mexican’s, he will be coming to look for a fight.”

The chief-support provides a 10 round flyweight battle between Ramon Nicanor Quiroga and Efrain Rodriguez Gonzalez. 

Quiroga (5-1, 2 KOs) represented Argentina at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics Games turning professional shortly after. The man from Mendoza picked up a WBA regional belt against the undefeated Afolabi Shittu with a wide points victory in Buenos Aires less than two months ago. 

The dangerous Gonzalez (7-0, 7 KOs) fights outside his native Mexico for the first time in his career. His immaculate record most recently saw the undefeated Diego Montalvo Reyes fall to the 26 year old, Gonzalez dispatching of his opponent by the 2nd round this past March in Mexico City.

Opening the televised broadcast will see the undefeated Argentine Josue Francisco Arguero (7-0, 3 KOs) lock horns with the highly experienced Fabian Oscar Orosco (28-14-4, 10 KOs) in the super featherweight division scheduled for 8 rounds. 

ProBox TV’s upcoming broadcast will be available to all subscribers [Excluding Argentina]. 

You can sign up to ProBox TV with no obligation for just $1.99 a month and gain access to a host of exclusive content including Wednesday Night Fights

Material and Photo Courtesy of: ProBox TV Used with permission.

For more information about ProBox TV including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices, platforms, Smart TVs, full event archive and additional programming, and to subscribe please visit: www.ProBoxTV.com 

The Boxing Truth®️ is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

The Galal Yafai Express Rolls On

The story going into the Flyweight bout between 2020 Olympic Gold medalist Galal Yafai and former British Flyweight champion Tommy Frank on August 19th at the Birmingham Arena in Birmingham England was whether Yafai, who entered the bout ranked number fourteen in the world in the World Boxing Council (WBC), could continue on what has been a fast track since beginning his career in February of last year.

Although it is not uncommon to see fighters who are able to benefit from the exposure that the Olympics offers, and to be more specific, those fighters who are able to reach the medal rounds, progress at a faster pace upon embarking on professional careers as compared to those with limited or no amateur experience, Yafai has been able to work his way to a low top-twenty ranking in a world sanctioning organization's rankings in only four professional fights. While Yafai entered the bout unbeaten in four bouts having gone the distance in one of those fights, the question this observer had prior to this encounter was whether Tommy Frank, a fighter with British championship pedigree, would be able to provide Yafai with what would be the first test of his career.

Despite Frank's edge in terms of professional experience over Yafai, it would take the undefeated fast rising contender only a minute and forty seconds to answer that question with an emphatic "NO!" At the sound of the brll to begin the fight, Yafai immediately applied ehat yours truly would call "Suffocating Pressure" on Frank that reminded me of future Hall of Famer Manny Pacquiao in his prime. In that he immediately cut off the ring and swarmed Frank with a near non-stop attack , which sent the former British champion scrambling looking for space.

Unfortunately for Frank, he had no answer and apprared simply unprepared for the type of attack that Yafai put on him. It was not long before Frank would be knocked to the canvas with a short left hook to the head. While Frank was able to get up quickly, it was academic as Yafai continued his relentless assault on his opponent. With Frank pressed up against the ropes with no way to escape, his corner mercifully threw the towel in giving Yafai a statement-making first round stoppage and a successful defense of his WBC International Flyweight championship. 

In previewing this fight and at the beginning of this column, yours truly made reference to Yafai being on a "Fast Track" towards a world championship shot. After this latest performance, perhaps those of us in Boxing media should refer to the track that Yafai is on as a "Train Track" because his performance in stopping Tommy Frank was the Boxing equivalent of a runaway train steamrolling down a track and wiping out whatever is unfortunately standing in the way. While this observer does not partake in deliberate hype tactics, there is simply no other way to describe what happened in this fight.

Although this performance, as emphatic as it was, will probably not move Galal Yafai into a world championship fight in his next fight, he is clearly on track to potentially challenge for a world championship either at or before his tenth professional fight. With five fights to go before fight number 10 for Yafai, the question is if any potential opponent will he able to stand on the track as "The Yafai Express Train" continues barreling down the track in an attempt to stop what has thus far been a runaway train or if it will continue to be full steam ahead as Yafai continues his trip up the 112lb. Flyweight division.

" And That's The Boxing Truth." 

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Galal Yafai vs. Tommy Frank Takes Centerstage August 19th

Originally, August 19th in the world of Boxing was to be spotlighted by the highly anticipated World Light-Heavyweight championship fight between undefeated champion Artur Beterbiev and former Super-Middleweight world champion Callum Smith. As some know, the bout between Beterbiev and Smith has been postponed to January 2024 due to Beterbiev needing time to recover from recent dental surgery. While that fight was initially one of the highlights of the month of August 2023, a bout that could be described by some as under the radar could prove to be interesting. This observer is referring to the Flyweight bout between undefeated Flyweight contender Galal Yafai and former British Flyweight champion Tommy Frank, which will take place at the Birmingham Arena in Birmingham, England that can be seen globally on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN. 

While the 112lb. Flyweight division does not always get much exposure, particularly here in the United States, one thing that makes this fight interesting is that it offers a chance for a higher ranking in the World Boxing Council’s (WBC) for the WBC International championship. Although a regional championship may not seem significant to some fans, what makes it significant beyond the reality of a higher position in the WBC rankings is the quick pace in which Yafai has gotten to this fight. Galal, the third in the line of the fighting Yafai brothers following Kal and Gamal, will be going into only his fifth professional fight when he faces Tommy Frank. After a decorated amateur career in which he represented Great Britain in both the 2016 and the delayed 2020 Olympics, winning the Gold medal in the 2020 tournament in the Flyweight division, Yafai turned pro in February of last year and won the WBC International title with a fifth round knockout of Carlos Bautista. Yafai being able to enter a regional championship fight in his professional debut is representative of his Olympic pedigree and though a fighter entering that type of fight out of the box as a professional is certainly a roll of the dice, Yafai has thus far proven to be someone who, despite his limited experience as a pro, is on the verge of challenging for a world title in stopping three of his four opponents prior to this fight. 

Going into this fight, Yafai is rated number fourteen in the WBC’s Flyweight ratings and obviously the longer he is able to hold onto the international title, the more likely his ranking will be elevated sooner than later. It should not have to be pointed out however, that there is a risk with each fight and if Yafai should lose, obviously the expedited pace in which he has entered the WBC ratings will be halted. 

In Tommy Frank, Yafai will be facing a veteran of nineteen fights with a record of 15-3-1, with 3 Knockouts. While Frank does not, or at least has not, up to this point shown much punching power in only scoring three knockouts in his fifteen career wins, what he does have that could be an asset is experience in being able to go rounds and it is important to keep in, mind that as Yafai has been on the fast track so far in his career, he has yet to be tested. Frank however, is coming into this fight off of a knockout loss to Jay Harris where he lost the British Flyweight championship being stopped in ten rounds. Perhaps some might see that as a red flag against Frank, or to be more specific, his capability in being able to provide Yafai with a stern test, but it is something that will only be found out once the bell rings.

This fight will headline a card promoted by Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Boxing's NXTGEN series. While obviously that series, which prior to the COVID-19 epidemic was a fixture on Matchroom's schedule in showcasing some of the young, up and coming talent in the Matchroom stable, obviously it has been a few years since the series has been in circulation. A fight like this however, featuring an Olympic Gold medalist, who seems to be racing towards a shot at a world championship perhaps within the first ten fights of his career, going against a former British champion looking to bounce back, seems like a perfect vehicle to reintroduce the series. 

"And That's The Boxing Truth."

Matchroom Boxing NXTGEN: Yafai vs. Frank takes place on Saturday, August 19th at the Birmingham Arena in Birmingham, England. The fight as well as it's full undercard can be seen globally on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN beginning at 11:45AM ET/8:45AM PT with Before The Bell, which will feature preliminary bouts. This will be followed by the main card, which will begin at 2PM ET/11AM PT.

(*U.S. Times Only.*)

(*Card and Start time Subject to Change.*)

For more information about DAZN including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices, platforms, Smart TVs, availability around the world, local start times in your area, and to subscribe please visit: www.DAZN.com. 

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